Tinnitus is one of the most common ear-related conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many individuals are left feeling anxious and frustrated, believing that little can be done to relieve the constant ringing or buzzing in their ears.
This was the experience of José Silveira, who lived with persistent tinnitus for years, unaware that effective treatment options were available. Like many others, he assumed he simply had to live with the noise. It wasn’t until he sought professional help that he discovered there are tailored strategies and therapies that can significantly reduce the impact of tinnitus on daily life.
“I had lived with tinnitus for more than a decade, and every GP I saw told me there was nothing that could be done,” said Jose Silveira.
“I also knew I had some hearing loss — likely from nearly 20 years of driving a bus with the window open. In recent years, the ringing became worse and started affecting the things I enjoy most: reading, playing golf, travelling, and going to trivia nights in noisy pubs with friends.”
Jose first learned about Hear and Say’s services through his daughter, who had recently joined the team at their Brisbane centre. She encouraged him to book an appointment with an audiologist to see if his tinnitus might be linked to his hearing loss.
“If someone has a hearing loss, they miss out on important stimulation from external sounds,” explained Julie Decker, Audiology Manager at Hear and Say.
“Research shows the brain can try to compensate by creating internal sounds — for example, someone with high-frequency hearing loss may experience high-pitched tinnitus or ringing.”
“When we treat the hearing loss with hearing aids, and the person regains access to those environmental sounds, the brain typically re-focuses on those external inputs — which often leads to a reduction in tinnitus symptoms.”
After having his hearing tested at Hear and Say, Jose was fitted with hearing aids — an experience he described as life-changing.
“The hearing aids — which weren’t as expensive as I’d expected — have significantly reduced the ringing in my ears. My overall hearing has improved too,” he said.
“I can easily follow trivia questions at the pub now, and the other day I even heard the dog next door walking past. I love listening to the birds in the park across from our house — something I hadn’t truly noticed for years. Before, I had to turn the TV up all the time and kept saying ‘Pardon?’ to my wife, which frustrated both of us.”
Jose said the fitting process was “informative and professional,” and encouraged others not to ignore the signs of hearing loss or tinnitus.
“I would strongly recommend getting your hearing checked if you’re noticing ringing in your ears or any decline. You’ve got nothing to lose — and a lot to gain — by speaking to professionals like those at Hear and Say who are so passionate about helping us hear better.”
Results may vary. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional before starting any treatment for tinnitus.